Meeting stirs debate over Stamford superintendent's future

Wynne Parry, Staff Writer

Published 9:38 pm, Wednesday, May 26, 2010

STAMFORD -- News that Superintendent Joshua Starr is seeking to renegotiate his contract sparked an informal referendum on his tenure, particularly on middle school reform, from a parade of speakers at Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting. Four tea party members let their signs bearing slogans like "Got Fiscal Responsibility?" do the talking.

In spite of the public presence, the matter of Starr's contract was not on the board's agenda.

Among those objecting to the request, a common theme voiced was to wait a year. Starr has two years left on his contract, but he is seeking to negotiate a three-year pact.

"We are not here to debate middle school reform, but I think middle school reform is why I am standing here in front of you," said Alan Stockman, a parent who asked the board to not extend the contract, "because I am unhappy with the way the process proceeded ... I believe healthy debate and dissent was not encouraged."

Those who questioned the reform, specifically, a reduction in ability grouping, were unfairly cast as liars and supporters of a system that trapped some students at the bottom, Stockman said.

Starr has not discussed the details of what he hopes to see in any new contract, including compensation or benefits. Several speakers, however, focused on the monetary implications.

A new contract is not necessary and offers no benefit for the city, said Nicole Zussman.

"It would be fiscally irresponsible to extend a contract on one of our highest paid city employees," she said.

Another speaker, Daniela Kelly, predicted further political change when new board members are elected in November, following last year's election of members who are much less supportive of Starr.

"I think we should wait it out," she said.

Supporters made just as strong a showing.

"I would also like to thank Dr. Starr for his strong, long-term vision that is starting to show results," said Marcella Branca. "I really hope renegotiation of the contract will be successful so your family can begin to benefit from your hard work as much as my family has."

Starr has said that if an contract agreement is reached, he plans to move his family, including two school-aged children, from Brooklyn, N.Y., to Stamford.

Susanna Vidan, a parent facilitator at Hart Magnet Elementary School who has two children in the system, attacked other speakers' assertion that the board should wait a year to evaluate the data on Starr's work, particularly middle school reform.

"I think it's ridiculous when they already have five years," she said. Vidan lauded Starr for reaching out "to communities that usually get neglected," such as the black and Hispanic families.

"At least he listens and he wants to help," she said. "All the parents that think he is not reachable, I would say you do not know how to pick up a phone."

She also pointed out that voters' options are limited when the heads of both political parties have expressed opposition to reforms.

Former Board of Education member Angela Lorenti also pointed out that the District Improvement Plan approved by the State Board of Education -- which incorporates changes to ability grouping -- will remain, regardless of whether Starr is the one to carry it out.

"It's like an Obama thing, where they have already made up their minds," he said of board members.

"We believe in fiscal responsibility and justice for the taxpayers," said Philip Balestriere, also a tea party member.

Board member Lorraine Olson confirmed that she and board member Carmine Limone had shared their concerns about renewing the contract with tea party members.

"They had asked our thoughts," she said. Limone declined comment.

Starr also shared his perspective during the meeting.

Every year at this time, he said he seeks either to extend, or renegotiate his contract with the board.

"I have a sincere desire to continue to do the work we have done for five years," he said listing work on math, science and literacy, training and collaborative planning time for teachers, and other initiatives during his five-year tenure in Stamford. "If we can agree on a reasonable contract that will bring me out through three years.. my family has agreed to move to Stamford."

Moving to Stamford would both allow him to spend more time with his family, as well as participate in the community in different ways than he is currently able.

The Board has begun its performance evaluation of Starr, a process which will extend into June.

Staff writer Wynne Parry can be reached at 203-964-2263 or wynne.parry@scni.com.